LONDON – Complementary football is what helped the Rams snap their three-game losing streak in their victory over the Falcons. That proved to be the case once again against the Bengals on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, with all three phases contributing to a 24-10 win.
Here are five instant takeaways from the matchup:
1) GURLEY, HENDERSON BOTH EFFECTIVE
Rams running backs Todd Gurley and Darrell Henderson Jr. both got the chance to contribute on Sunday.
Henderson led the back field with 11 carries for 49 yards, adding two receptions for 20 yards. Todd Gurley chipped in 10 for 44 plus one touchdown.
Gurley's score put the Rams up by two touchdowns early in the third quarter in what ended up being the final points of the contest. In relief of Gurley, Henderson broke off runs of 14 and 15 yards.
The Bengals entered the game allowing the most rushing yards per game in the NFL, so there was bound to be opportunities for Gurley and Henderson to get involved. They were able to make the most of them.
2) OFFENSE MAKES UP FOR MISSED REDZONE OPPORTUNITY
Los Angeles' first drive started at their own 10 and ended at the Cincinnati 5 with a made 23-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein.
The second time L.A. got inside the Cincinnati 5, it turned out differently, as it would find the endzone via Gurley's touchdown run.
However, with the number of big plays made in the passing game – see the 65-yard catch by WR Cooper Kupp, among others – distance ended up not being much of a factor anyway.
3) PASS RUSH PRESENT AGAIN
One of the biggest bright spots going into the bye week will be the Rams' pass rush.
L.A. managed five sacks for the second consecutive week, which means it matched its season high.
LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo got his first career sack, finishing with 1.5. DT Aaron Donald got one to reach five on the season. LB Dante Fowler picked up where he left off against the Falcons, finishing with 1.5. DE Michael Brockers and LB Cory Littleton recorded half of a sack each to round out the total.
Is it the Jalen Ramsey effect? Perhaps, but the Rams front seven rightfully deserves credit for creating and maximizing their opportunities too.
4) SPECIAL TEAMS CONTRIBUTES
The punting and kickoff units get recognition here.
Winning the field position battle often dictates the outcome of a game. It's safe to say that held true for the Rams on Sunday. The Bengals never began an offensive possession past their own 25, whether it was off of a Rams kickoff or punt.
Furthermore, thanks to the offense's execution, Zuerlein was able to convert on his lone field goal attempt – a 23-yarder – and made all three of his extra point attempts.
5) ROAD TRIP REVITALIZATION
After the Rams lost their third straight game earlier this month, QB Jared Goff said time together on extended road trips like this can galvanize a team.
He turned out to be right.
Two weeks later, the Rams are 5-3 overall and riding a two-game win streak into the bye week.
